Winter Travel Series: The Bahamas' Out Islands Regatta

On Thursday, February 15, at 5:30 p.m., local artist and sailor Art Paine will give a slide-show and talk about the Bahamas’ famous Out Islands Regatta at the Bass Harbor Memorial Library.

This event began in 1954 as a race between the Bahamas’ rustic fishing and freight sailing vessels. In that year over 40 rough-built wooden sailboats showed up and competed for cash prizes. The Out Islands Regatta has been running ever since, at the end of Lent and before the beginning of the crawfishing season. Nowadays upwards of seventy boats show up, and doings afloat and ashore are extremely colorful and fun! No matter how frosty the weather in mid February, you’ll be warmed by images of vibrant color, and stories of Caribbean Island hi-jinx. This is considered among marine artists the most beautiful sailing event in the world.

In addition, several of Art’s paintings will be on display through the month of February.